Google limits Pixel 3 third-party wireless chargers at 5W

Earlier this month, Google launched its much-anticipated Pixel 3 lineup along with a slew of other products. With the third-generation of Pixels, the brand added a wireless charging support as most of the flagship smartphones support now. Google has released its Pixel Stand to offer fast wireless charging specifically for Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL at 10W charging speeds as per Qi standards. Along with this, they added features to enable Google Assistant and double the phone as a digital photo frame when elegantly placed on Pixel Stand for charging.

But there’s a catch. Google has capped the wireless charging speeds for all third-party wireless chargers at 5W as per base Qi standards. This means that whomsoever is using the third-party chargers will have to compromise on the charging speed.

When asked about the capping on wireless charging speeds, Google said “We don’t limit third-party devices, in fact, we’re working with our partners in the Made for Google program to get fast 10W chargers certified for use with Pixel 3. Pixel Stand and Pixel 3 work together through the protocol we’ve developed for fast charging. Everything else charges at the industry standard Qi 5W”.

You might think that capping third-party uncertified wireless chargers at 5W is correct but the fact is, it isn’t because even Apple allows other smartphones to charge their phones on its charging pad although it follows a different protocol where it is targeted at 7.5W fast wireless charging speed for its iPhone X while the recently launched iPhone XS and XR may have different protocols.

Similarly, Samsung follows 9W and LG follows 10W of fast wireless charging speeds but allows other users to use third-party pads to charge their phone wirelessly unlike Google which has restricted its users to either buy a Pixel Stand or any Google certified 10W Qi chargers or stick with the uncertified third-party 5W wireless chargers. But that’s not the only thing wrong with the third-gen Pixel devices and surely enough, it will come out soon.

Belkin has already started working on its “Made for Google” charging pad for Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL. The pad is priced at $59.99. Soon, other manufacturers will follow the suit offering certified wireless chargers capable of charging at 10W.